REXBURG, Idaho — As the City of Rexburg prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood, local organizers are introducing a unique event to honor survivors of the 1976 disaster.
The Teton Dam Pageant, held at Porter Park, aims to bring the community together by balancing a historic tragedy with lighthearted comedy.
A Unique Approach to History
The event is co-organized by Pat Hepworth, a survivor of the flood. Hepworth explained that finding joy and laughter is a vital part of overcoming difficult times.
"Whenever things get really serious in my life and with my kids, we try to find something to make us laugh," Hepworth said. "Not laugh about the situation, but just to laugh, because that’s important."
Honoring Local Survivors
The pageant will feature three local women who lived through the catastrophic dam failure: Jackie Sare, Anna Bjornn, and 95-year-old Verla Archibald. The contestants will vie for the playful title of "Flood Mud Queen."
According to Hepworth, the contestants showed no hesitation about participating in the event.
“I think they were excited for it," Hepworth said. "Probably Verla was maybe ‘I don’t know about this’, but then she said she’d do it.”
Pageant Events and Presentation
The event will feature a traditional lineup, beginning with a welcome address and contestant introductions by former City of Rexburg Prosecuting Attorney Steven Zollinger.
The program includes:
- Talent Exhibition: Each contestant will perform a talent of their choice.
- Musical Performance: A combined musical number featuring all three contestants.
- Crowning Ceremony: Judges will deliberate and announce the official winner.
Ultimately, Hepworth hopes the pageant provides the community with a sense of levity and a chance to share a therapeutic laugh.
The pageant will be held at Porter Park at 5:00 p.m.